Meet the many talented artists who represent Los Cabos Drumsticks. (Click the artist's image to see his/her website)
JOHNNY "TWOTHUMBS" MALLEY -- Gravel Chewer
7A Hickory
Jon started drumming at age 13, entirely self-taught, with the aid of his first band, The Keeners, with current Gravel Chewer guitarist, Gregg O'Donnell. He quickly moved forward with his drumming and on into The No Shows for an 8 year stint, before forming Gravel Chewer with guitarists Gregg O'Donnell and Bruce "Brutal" LeGrow, and now PJ Jacques as well. His style is punchy, fast, and aggressive. He is a relentless force in any band he plays in and is known for his craziness and wild faces while playing live.
Gravel Chewer has played with a few notable acts so far including Amnesty, Reanimator, and Aggressor. They are planning a cross Canada tour for March 2010 and a mini-maritime style tour for September of 2009. Their EP, entitled Eating The Earth, is self produced and available at Digital World here in Fredericton, or through the band. Gravel Chewer is currently searching for a label and writing material for their upcoming full length album.
Jon proudly plays Los Cabos 7A Hickory drumsticks.
Personal statement about Los Cabos :
"Los Cabos drumsticks are durable and easy to play. I am a power drummer, so I need something durable, but also something I can blast with and feel a good balance while playing, especially on stage. Los Cabos sticks give me that little edge I need. THEY RULE
CARLOS MARIA -- Independant/Freelance
5A Hickory
Carlos Maria, started music when he was 12 years by studying guitar and playing in church choirs, later began his studies of drums with the Uruguayan drummer, Gonzalo Farrugia (drummer of the Uruguayan band Psiglo/Crusis, and teacher of Charly Alberti ex- member of Soda Stereo). He also studied Percussion with Andrey Tchernyshev (classic Russian percussionist) for one year during which time his technique and reading improved. Later he studied in the conservatory of the OBC ( Baja California Orchestra) . He attended any different srum clinics in the area of Los Angeles and Europe.
Among the many artists Carlos has performed with are the legendary jazz trumpet player Luis Gasca "The Little Giant" (of Miles Davis fame), with Sasha Guerevich Quartet (klezmer music), Jazz Guitarist Lupillo Cruz, Tico Valdez Big Band, Young Orchestra of Baja California, Fairbanks Chamber Orchestra of San Diego, International Philharmonia of the Californias, Opera Company of Tijuana, Bossa 4 Nova. Carlos also work as a musician for Short Films, and Theatre.
DEMETRIO MASO --- Tropik-D
5B Hickory
Demertrio is a Quebec born musician living in Montreal. He began drumming at age 15 and later studied jazz interpretation at the Université de Montréal before finding his groove as a hard hitting rock drummer.
He has played at many of Quebec’s major music festivals including Montreal's International Jazz Festival, Festival d'été de Québec, and Francopholie de Montréal and has also recorded with a number of notable Francophone acts including Andre Belliard and Marie-Chantal Toupin.
When he’s not performing, Demetrio spends his time teaching students and writing music for friends and for his own pleasure.
He is currently busy writing and performing with his solo project, Tropik-D.
THOMAS MASSAK --ROCKSTEADY/Pro-Solist'y
5A Intense
Thomas lives in Graz Austra. At 24 years of age, Thomas hes been playing drums for about 15 years. He first became interested in traditional Austrian brass music where he started playing rudiments on the marching drum in a local brass band and soon began studying "to get more professional." These days, Thomas is playing with the famous Austrian rock coverband ROCKSTEADY. They've played gigs in Austria (of course ;-)), Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein and are often headliners at parties. Another project of his is called "Pro-Solist'y". A brass band consisting of forteen men and one woman they play traditional Austrian brass/marching style but using modern hits (Robbbie Williams, Maroon5 etc) arranged for brass bands. They've released 2 cds, the latest of which is called "X'sunga und G'spüt".
CHUCK MAUK -- Independant/Freelance
5A Hickory
Chuck Mauk, of Toledo, OH, has spent his life playing drums in the belly of America. He’s recorded in studios from Texas to Michigan and performed in clubs, arenas, and stink houses of every kind. He is a drummer’s drummer, a bass player’s dream, and a studio engineer’s best friend. Over the years, Chuck has sat behind countless singers and guitar players, but has been in charge of every measure performed and recorded. His career illustrates an important point about popular music: whether it is big fat hard rock, slim americana, country, or some other genre concoction, big measures matter. And the musicians who understand that call on Chuck.
His playing is born out of the Midwest flatlands. It is big, expansive, and open. It is solid and certain, without pretense or self-flattery. For years, he has reminded some of the best country, rock, and blues musicians in the Midwest that everything important about life exists in the downbeat.
NIGEL MAYNARD Independent/Freelance
8A Hickory
Nigel "MaynStreet" Maynard is a Toronto native drummer, diverse in many different styles of drumming; from jazz - hard bop - latin - funk - neo soul - gospel - rock - fusion - contemporary christian - congolese - reggae, calypso and other forms - he is no stranger to them.
Playing and or opening for the likes of names such as Alvin Slaughter - Babie Mason, CeCe Winans, Hezikiyah Walker, Martha Munizzi and others - Nigel knows how to adapt himself to the differences that artists may have. Having studied at Toronto's reknown Humber College has aided to his versatility and adaption skills. As most of what MaynStreet does in is the Christian circuits, - that doesn't limit him from stretching out into other positive forms of music - and artists. Currently - Nigel is part of a label named "DOANE Musicworks" - and is musical director for the band "Endurance" - which is Fusion/Neo Soul/Funk/instrumental band. He has also is a part of "Embrace" which is a jazz/hard bop fusion band led by well known pianist Everett Haughton. In playing for well known international recording artist Natasha Waterman, he re-discovered his love for "open spaces" in music - where technique was not so much of a demand - but where essence and feel were king. He also has performed in theatre productions, where he has done double duty as a drummer - as well as percussionist. Currently - Endurance is the sole driving force for independent recording artist, musical partner, and long time friend Nordene Fogah- Simon
DARRYL McWATERS -- Independent/Freelance
3A Hickory
This brown eyed Aries loves long walks on the beach and partying with friends.
Oops...... wrong bio!
Darryl is a versatile performer who has played in everything from small jazz combos to the circus! He studied at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada where he received his Honours Bachelor of Music Education. In addition to band and freelance work, he has also performed on well over 50 independent CD’s and several national television advertisements including Swiss Chalet, McDonald’s, Dodge and Advil.
Currently, Darryl’s main gig is playing with Jim Witter in his show “The Pianomen”
(www.thepianomen.net) which tours extensively in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K.
When not on the road, he keeps busy with 30 private drum students and an ever increasing freelance and recording schedule. Darryl is also very proud of his own band “Hewit”( www.hewit.net) which has had several songs placed in television shows here in Canada and the U.S.
Darryl is proud to be a part of the Los Cabos family and his stick of choice is the 3A Hickory model.
He currently lives in Hamilton, ON with his lovely wife, two beautiful daughters and Tinkerbell, the family cat (He swears he had nothing to do with naming her!).
BRANDON MERENICK -- Low Level Flight
5B Hickory
Brandon Merenick has an eclectic musical background of study and experience. Born into a musical family by profession, Brandon began his musical discovery at the age of three and at age six start taking piano lessons. Church played an important role in his development as a musician and every Sunday there was every opportunity to be involved musically; at a very young age he had this innate capability to make sense of sitting at the drums and creating rhythm, texture and dynamics.
Piano did not seem to be enough so he seriously studied Tenor Saxophone privately and was active in a high school band program from grade six until his final year. There was still a void in Brandon’s musical discovery, so in grade nine he acquired his first drum kit; a Yamaha Stage Custom set up.
His studies with Jeff Salem, Mark Kelso, Roger Flock, Barry Elmes and Rick Lazar have contributed to his vast experience of traveling and playing in Eastern Europe, United States, Caribbean and Canada. Brandon studied two years in the Humber College jazz program and completed his musical studies at York University in the Fine Arts program. He also works on various cruises with Royal Caribbean, teaches young musicians and plays in and around Toronto with various bands in various genres. Brandon is currently playing in an original band “Low Level Flight” with Canadian Idol winner, Ryan Malcom.
Sebastian Meyer-- Independent
Sebastian Meyer, 21 year old. Lives in Bremen/Germany.
He started taking drum lessons when I was 15, after he nearly broke a wooden
chair because he had nothing else to practise on. At 16 heI
started his first band and bought his first kit. Since then he has been in
several bands including "The Dead Rabbit Gang" (Blues/Hard-Rock), "Fractera
Eden" (Metal/Industrial/Progressive) and "Sugar and Spice" (Rock/Pop). He
also played some studio jobs and had projects in/with Black-, Death-,
Melodic- and Progressive-Metal bands.
He is a hard-working drummer. His style is
influenced by the early rock greats just as Ian Paice and
Cozy Powell, but also by Mike Portnoy, Jeff Porcaro and Bernard Purdy
(basically every drummer whose last-name begins with a "P").
Johnnie Mo—Joan Kennedy, Steve Waylon, Independent
Born in 1982, Johnnie Mo has been a professional drummer since 2000 and a teacher at a local Music Education Centre since 2007. His students, ranging from 6 to 60 years of age, benefit from his understanding, patience and true dedication to his art, as he teaches not only music reading and the rudiments of drumming, but also a sampling of various musical styles and grooves with lessons adapted to each student's preference. With training and experience in the genres of country, rock, metal, blues, jazz, Latin, hip-hop, funk and fusion, Johnnie Mo has a wealth of knowledge from which to draw upon. He cites Virgil Donati, Jon Fishman, Steve Gadd, Neil Peart, Chad Sexton and especially Vinnie Colaiuta as his influences. While his repertoire is considerable, rock and fusion are the genres he finds himself drawn to.
MARCO NUNEZ —The James Douglas Show
bio coming soon...
NOOK -- Independent/Freelance
5A Hickory Yellow Jackets
Nook started to play the drums at the age of 13. Since then he has performed live and in studio with various bands in different Rock and Pop Styles. For example: Heavy-Current, Blag Cobra, Herr Spin, Die
Schnitter, etc.
In 2000 he got his final exam “Superieur” at the
“Agostini Drumschool Kassel”. Later on in 2006 he founded his own Drumschool “Schlagzeugschule Rotenburg”. So he is always busy at school, in studio or on stage.
ADAM PARENT -- Ninjaspy
Every passionate musician is searching for something special, and for Adam it is cultivating a unique and identifiable approach to drumming that over the last ten years has taken considerable shape with his metalcore/ska/reggae band Ninjaspy. His explosive stage energy and desire to establish a real human connection with fans has helped Ninjaspy
gather the attention of music lovers from all corners of the globe. With an interest in being fluent and authentic in a wide variety of genres, Adam's aggressive yet perpetually groove oriented style always compliments the music and provides a solid rhythmic foundation for creativity.
Ninjaspy has been touring Canada since 2006 on the strength of their debut album "Pi-Nature", which was produced by GGGarth Richardson (Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers), and was released independently in Canada and on Zestone Records in Japan.
bio coming soon...
RODERICK T. PATTON – Independent/Freelance
7A Hickory
RODERICK T. PATTON is a dynamic, gifted, and dedicated young song-writer, producer, and drummer whose love of music started at an early age. Rod, as he prefers to be called, is a member of RockThisWay Music Group and Prayz 1 Ministries. Roderick is a native of Philadelphia, PA where he attended Fellowship Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C. with his family. There, Roderick grew up under the covering of several talented musicians, singers, and performers who often shared their gifts with young Roderick. With such surroundings, it was no surprise that Rod dedicated both his heart and his budding talent to the Lord. In 1995, Roderick joined Rhema Deliverance Church where his aunt introduced him to the congas. From that moment, a passionate affair with music, and percussion in particular began. Today, Rod’s momentum on the drum set is only rivaled by his momentum for serving God at full capacity.
THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD
This young artist draws inspiration from musical greats such as John Roberts, Travis Barker, Nisan Stewart, Nathaniel Townsley, Dennis Chambers, and Brian Fraiser-Moore. While influenced by these artists, Roderick has developed a distinct drum style that is both vibrant and provocative. In 2000, under God’s covering and after receiving a special impartation, Rod transitioned into full-time ministry at the Rock DreamCentre and his playing style has helped expand and transform the atmosphere every time he picks up the sticks. His playing is no longer about delivering exhilarating beats and heart-racing staccatos; rather Rod’s playing has become an act of worship that moves people to almost hear the very heartbeat of God. Under the life-changing leadership and legacy of Apostle Bryant-Lee & Pastor Charlene Phillips, Roderick has learned the true healing, delivering and awesome power released through praise and worship.
“ALL YOU NEED IS FAITH. . . “
Roderick’s vision is that through his gifting, young people will come to realize that anything is possible. He says, “All you need is faith. Faith to believe it, faith to receive it, and faith to achieve it.” As Rod continues to spread the gospel through the ministry of music, souls will be touched, delivered, and made whole. With such a vision and a mission for kingdom expansion, music fans should keep their eyes and ears wide open as RockThisWay Music and Prayz 1 ministries delivers more exciting projects in the near future.
KAI PAULMANN -- Independent/Freelance
5A Hickory
Kai is a freelance drummer in Germany, who studied at the Musikschule Dreiklang in Hannover. His credits include Madrigal, Nikki Puppet, Schrei!, Riefenstahl, breeze, Rocktail, June Brazil, Kati Trese, BodoBringerBand, D.N.A., Change Generation; as well as a lot of other session- and Livejobs.
Kai is also a teacher in the Lower-Saxony area.
JEFF PEREZ -- Independent
For the last 28 years, Jeff Perez has lived and worked in Los Angeles while touring internationally several months of every year. Recordings or tours include artists such as Lee Silby, Annelise LeCheminant, Mylin, Lara Gatling, Boomer McLennan, Michael Priebe, Patty Cabrera, Mike Stand/Clash of Symbols, Almost Ugly, and Mayfair Laundry. Lately, his attention has been on song writing and hopes to have the time to record and release a CD later this year. In addition to his private teaching/recording studio, Jeff is the director of the El Camino College Percussion Ensemble in Torrance, CA and teaches the beginning drums class there as well. Jeff is also an endorsee of Ford Custom Drums, Supernatural Cymbals, CYMPAD, Aquarian Drumheads, The Kelly Shu, and Future Sonics In-Ear Monitors.
DAN PETTOLINA -- The Loop
5A Hickory
RODNEY POWELL -- The Tennessee Three -- Second Hand Lincoln
5A Maple
DEREK PRINCE-COX -- Arise and Ruin
ARISE AND RUIN’s 2007 debut record, The Final Dawn, marked the introduction of this powerhouse from the icy north of Guelph, Ontario. Cold, dirty riffs and an abrasive, machine gun rhythm section served as the platform for raw, godless vocals that commanded the listener to overcome any resistance from those around them. As they moved into 2008, they faced the trials and tribulations that confront many new bands; being broke, robbed, losing members and being alone on the road
T JAY RESPESS -- Darryl Weathers Spritual Sisters & A Brother
7A White Maple & Hichory
T Jay has been playing the drums since he was 3 years old. He has played for Gospel Legend Rance Allen, Derrick Milan and the Krew, Eric Deon and so many more. Recently He has also opened for Avant, Fat Joe, and E-40. He currently plays for a group called Darryl Weathers Spiritual Sisters and a Brother. He has been playing for them for about three years now. T Jay strongly believes that anything you ever wish for can come true if you just put God first.
JOHNNY RHODES -- Independent/Freelance
Johnny Rhoads started playing at the age of eight years of age. Now almost forty years later,his desire to play and produce is stronger than ever. He has played with numerous bands over the years. His first real break came when he was asked to play for former Alice Cooper guitarist and Texas blues legend, John Nitzinger. Johnny played with John for three years. Then he went on to co-found the Christian metal band RotA, with his music partner, Chris Gill. When not working out new riffs at Smilin Jack Records, He is working with the Praise and worship team at the Rock Church. "When I need the wood to do the job and be able to take the beating I give my sticks, I am able to turn to the best and that's why I use Los Cabos Drumsticks!" Im really excited to be a part of the Los Cabos family, and look foward to many years with them!
JAMES ROBINSON JR. -- Independent/Freelance
3A Rock Hickory
James Robinson Jr., known all over by the name “BIG JUN” came on to the music scene at a very young age. He was born January 14, 1983 in Brooklyn, NY. From a young boy “BIG JUN” always had a yearning to play the drums. His mom was and still is a great drummer and often jokes about how she played the drums the whole time she was pregnant with “BIG JUN”. This is why he would later in life become one of the most sought after drummers in New York. He admits that he started out on the congas and was never allowed to get on the drums. Until, one day at a conference of 3000 people “BIG JUN” was forced to play and wowed the crowd. He was 13 years old then, and was an unstoppable force every since. His destiny was sealed and he then knew that his calling in life was to play the drums.
He has played for gospel greats such as Donnie Mclurkin, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Marvin Sapp, Bishop Paul Morton, Mary Mary, and Bobby Jones just to name a few. He has been on the Word Network, BET Studios and NBC Studios. He is known for his off Broadway plays and his live performances all over the country. He travels currently with the famous Todd Hall conference, where he plays for arenas that seat 10,000 people. He has worked on 5 albums and is currently working on a gospel tour. This tour is currently traveling across country from east coast to west coast. Nevertheless, with this hectic schedule and recent marriage he remains faithful to his local church who first gave him his start many years ago. When “BIG JUN” was asked by a drum magazine with all your success and notoriety how do you stay grounded? In his words, he said GOD and his family keep him humble and to see the look of admiration on my daughters face when I play means the world to me.
HIS LIVE RECORDINGS INCLUDE Cliff Daniels, Bishop Jamison (Show Yourself Mighty), J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise (Exalted Live in Baltimore), David Caton (I Will Arise) and Hurricane Katrina Relief.
STEVEN J. ROBINSON -- Independent/Freelance
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, drummer and actor Steven J. Robinson is recognized by his peers, and musical collaborators as one of the most significant young entertainers of his generation. Already racking up credits with some of LA's hottest acts, it is no doubt that this particular young drummer will take the world of entertainment by storm.
Steven was born into the church, to which a lot of his experience behind a set of drums is rooted. As he matured, and gained additional experience as a performer, he used his church upbringing to keep him significant among many. Although his drumming is originally church and gospel influenced, Steven has succeeded in the art of versatility, allowing him to blend in many types of music including: R&B, soul, pop, big band, straight-ahead jazz, funk, rock, hard rock, reggae, and Latin, and broadway. Throughout his career, Steven has received numerous awards and accolades celebrating is gift. A few including: an article in Drum! Magazine, the Louis Armstrong Jazz award, an appearance on KHTS 1220 radio, and a scholarship to study percussion at the prestigious Berklee College Of Music. However, through out all of Steven’s success as a drummer, he will never stop learning, and being a student to the art of performing. Steven is currently serving as drummer and music director for r&b/soul phenomenon, Goddess. He can also be heard live, and in the studio with r&b/hip hop rapper and singer, Young Sky Walker.
RANDY ROSS -- Gnosh
Jazz Red Hickory
Check out Randy's Youtube Channel
SHAWN ROYAL -- Waxmen/Freelance
5B Hickory
Shawn Royal is a veteran drummer who is now playing with the Canadian power trio Waxmen. Shawns heavy, groove laden style drives the music nicely giving it the pocket feel that you can't help bobbing your head to. Thick rhythms, dynamic harmonized vocals and killer riffs make the Waxmen sound both familiar and unique while it rocks you hard. Look for Waxmen to be touring this summer in support of their upcoming 5 song EP.
Shawn also enjoys lending his talents in the studio as a session rock drummer
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